It's official – this law has been signed in New York state as of yesterday. Hooray for the efforts of the Food Allergy Initiative.

Landmark Food Allergy Law Enacted In New York

New law will protect food-allergic students in New York schools

NEW YORK, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Food Allergy
Initiative (FAI) announced today that Governor Eliot Spitzer has signed
into law the Allergy & Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2007 (AAMA; A.4051),
landmark legislation that will help protect New York schoolchildren who
suffer from life-threatening food allergies. The full text can be viewed at
http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A04051.
The new law requires the New York State Commissioner of Health to
develop model state guidelines to manage the risk of food allergy and
anaphylaxis (a potentially fatal allergic reaction) in schools. All New
York schools must receive the guidelines by June 30, 2008. Though the AAMA
calls for schools to develop policies based on the guidelines, it provides
flexibility for each school to create a policy consistent with its unique
environment and culture.
"This vital legislation will save lives," said Robert Pacenza,
Executive Director, FAI. "If a food-allergic child accidentally ingests
even a miniscule trace of the wrong food, it can trigger a reaction that
can kill within minutes. The AAMA will provide New York parents and schools
with sensible guidelines to help keep these kids safe. FAI is proud to have
been the organizing force behind this effort."
During the past year, FAI led a coalition of food allergy support
groups and parents across New York State to achieve the passage of the
AAMA. In the months ahead, the organization plans to consult with the
Commissioner of Health and other interested parties to create the new food
allergy guidelines. FAI expresses its appreciation to Governor Spitzer and
to Senator Serphin Maltese (R-Long Island) and Assemblyman Jose Rivera
(D-Bronx), who championed the bill in the New York State Assembly.
About Food Allergies
Food allergy is a major public health concern, affecting more than 11
million Americans -- at least 6% of children under age 3, and 3-4% of the
adult population. In particular, the number of children with peanut allergy
doubled from 1997-2002. Every year, at least 150 people die from food
allergy, and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) account for more than
30,000 emergency room visits. There is no cure, and no therapy to prevent
anaphylaxis -- only emergency treatment with epinephrine to control a
reaction that is already in progress.
About FAI
Established in 1998 by concerned parents and grandparents, the Food
Allergy Initiative supports research to find a cure for life-threatening
food allergies, clinical activities to identify and treat those at risk,
public policy to make the world safer for those afflicted, and educational
programs to make the hospitality industry, schools, day care centers and
camps safer. FAI is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization supported solely by
individual, foundation, and corporate contributions. For more information,
call 212-207-1974 or visit http://www.FoodAllergyInitiative.org.

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot post attachments in this forum